The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is scheduled for tonight (July 23) at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. ET. However, Lionel Messi’s status remains uncertain as the Argentine star has not yet traveled to Texas ahead of the match. According to Inter Miami insider Jose Armando Rodriguez, Messi and teammate Jordi Alba decided not to travel to Austin, which is why both are expected to miss the event.
The All-Star Game will feature a face-off between the MLS All-Stars and Liga MX All-Stars, marking the fourth time the two leagues have competed in this format. MLS holds a 2-1 edge in previous matchups. Players such as Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez are confirmed to represent Liga MX.
The week’s events have already begun, with MLS defeating Liga MX in the Skills Challenge. However, with Messi missing the training session and continued silence from the club and the league, his absence looked like a serious possibility.
In a press conference, MLS All-Star coach Nico Estevez addressed Messi’s potential absence. “I train and coach the players they give me. I think that’s a question for the organizers. I hope he comes, because having the best player in history here is important for everyone,” he said.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami is still in doubt for the All-Star Game (Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Miami coach Javier Mascherano also commented on the situation during a press conference earlier this week, saying, “The players are called up, and I would like them to be able to rest, but it’s not my decision. I know how important the All-Star is, and as far as I know, there is no decision from the club, everything is normal.”
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Video: Lionel Messi scores a brace in Inter Miami’s 5-1 win over New York RB in MLS
Messi’s form in his last matches
Messi, Inter Miami’s captain, has been in strong form with 18 goals in 18 matches this season, including six braces in his last seven appearances. He has played a key role in maintaining Inter Miami’s fifth position in the Eastern Conference standings.
What happens if Lionel Messi does not play in the All-Star game?
If Messi does not participate in the All-Star Game and does not have a valid medical exemption, he will be subject to a one-game suspension under MLS rules. This would result in him missing Inter Miami’s upcoming home match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. A similar penalty was enforced in 2018 when Zlatan Ibrahimovic opted out of the event while playing for LA Galaxy.
